Gay and bisexual men at risk as warning issued over rise of Shigella in England
PinkNews • • health
Key Points:
- Sexually transmitted Shigella cases in England increased to 2,560 in 2025, with gay and bisexual men being the most affected group, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
- The rise in cases represents a significant increase compared to 2,052 and 2,318 cases reported in 2023 and 2024 respectively, with transmission occurring through sexual contact, direct contact, or poor hygiene.
- UKHSA warns of growing antibiotic resistance in key Shigella strains, with 86% resistance in Shigella sonnei and 94% in Shigella flexneri samples, complicating treatment efforts.
- Individuals diagnosed with Shigella are advised to rest, stay hydrated, avoid sexual activity for seven days after symptoms cease, and refrain from swimming or food preparation to prevent spread.
- Health officials recommend sexual health screening for other infections, including HIV, and emphasize good hygiene and condom use to reduce transmission risks, especially among gay and bisexual men.
